The deal will lead the City of Manchester Stadium to be rebranded under the banner of the Gulf state’s government-owned airline. City refused to be drawn last night on the value or length of the deal, but it is estimated to be worth between £10 million and £15 million a year.

Etihad is also the club’s shirt sponsor. That agreement expires at the end of next season but it is unclear whether the naming rights package will include a new, renegotiated shirt deal.